The scope (a) is a long, hollow metal tube open at both ends; at one end, the cylinder flares out into a shorter and wider cylinder; at the bottom of this cylinder is a short, hollow tube, also open at the end, which has a small opening running diagonally up its side; over this tube is a metal ring…
The scope (a) is a long, hollow metal tube open at both ends; at one end, the cylinder flares out into a shorter and wider cylinder; at the bottom of this cylinder is a short, hollow tube, also open at the end, which has a small opening running diagonally up its side; over this tube is a metal ring, textured at top and bottom but smooth in the middle, with an L-shaped opening; this ring slides around, and its opening permits a small knob on the handle (c) to be inserted into the first diagonal opening and then secured; the handle is another metal cylinder; at its top, which narrows slightly, is the knob for attachment; in its middle is a switch (that no longer slides), and its bottom widens slightly; a small circular hole in its bottom reveals two prongs, presumably electrical wiring; the top is also open and an electrical contact can be seen about a third of the way down; the obturator (b) is a long, thin metal tube with a round disk, corrugated on its side, at one end, and a metal bullet-shaped plug at the other; about a quarter of the way down is a round flange that is flat on top, then tapers into a short tube; this flange rests upon the part in (a) where the cylinder narrows away from the handle; and the tip of the plug protrudes from the insertion end of the scope when assembled.
Number Of Parts
3
Part Names
a - scope - Size: Length 22.4 cm x Width 5.5 cm x Depth 3.5 cm
b - obturator - Size: Length 26.0 cm x Diam. 2.8 cm
c - handle - Size: Length 10.3 cm x Width 2.5 cm x Depth 1.9 cm
Provenance
Owned and used by Dr. Malcolm E. McPherson, a graduate of Queen's University School of Medicine Class of 1929; Dr. McPherson practised in Hawthorne, NS; he was a G.P. but specialized in gynecology.
Dates
1950
1970
circa 1950-1970
Material
metal (plated): silver; grey
Inscriptions
On (c), near bottom: three inverted triangles, arranged in a "V" pattern, in centre of the three, "CO" with "SS" in larger letters superimposed, all surrounded by a large "C"; on lower two sides of the "V" is "PAT. // PEND"
Permanent Location
Storage Room 0010
0010-E8-8
Condition Remarks
Metal shows wear; signs of plating wearing away, especially on (b); small scratches all over; deep parallel scratches on (c), just under the switch; (c) also has an oval-shaped ring of corrosion on it.
Copy Type
Original
Reference Types
Book
Person
Photo
Reference Comments
"Hospital Catalogue, General Surgical ed." by Sklar Instruments, 1992 pp. 292-293; "Catalogue of Surgical Instruments and Surgical Sundries," by Chas. F. Thackray, Ltd., ca 1970, pp. 150-152; Ms. Lyall McPherson (daughter); photo (in file)